What Is a Countersignature and When Is It Required?

Alexandra Twin has over 15 years of experience as an editor and writer, covering financial news for public and private companies.

What Is a Countersignature?

A countersignature is an additional signature added to an already signed document. It confirms the document’s authenticity. Generally, countersignatures are provided by professionals such as doctors, attorneys, notaries, or religious leaders.

A countersignature certifies that both parties involved in a contract have approved the action or provisions stated in the document. When two parties sign a contract, the first party signs, and the second party countersigns to confirm their agreement with the contract.

Key Takeaways

• A countersignature is an extra signature added to an already signed contract or document.
• The countersignature authenticates the document or, in the case of a check, allows for deposit or cashing.
• Countersignatures are often required for rental and mortgage applications, health documents, passports, and visas in certain countries.
• Countersignatures can be provided by professionals like accountants, lawyers, notaries, doctors, or religious leaders.

Understanding Countersignatures

Countersignatures are common in various business transactions. Most formal agreements or contracts between two parties require two signatures. The first party reads and signs the document if they approve the terms. The second party countersigns the document to confirm their agreement.

Countersignatures are necessary for many types of documents. Some countries require countersignatures on passports, like in the U.K. Domestic health and legal documents often require countersignatures. Rental agreements typically need countersignatures, and mortgage paperwork may also require them in certain situations.

Most legal documents need to be signed and countersigned. Any amendments to a contract added later must be signed and countersigned as well for legal validity.

Real-World Countersignature Example

For instance, if XYZ Company wants to buy 1,000 widgets from ABC Widget & Co., they might create a written contract that outlines the delivery method and any maintenance packages offered by ABC Widget & Co. After drawing up the contract, a representative from XYZ Company signs it. Then, the representative from ABC Widget & Co. countersigns the document to finalize the deal.

Most legal documents, including housing documents, require multiple signatures. For example, if an individual wants to lease an apartment but doesn’t meet the income or credit requirements, they may need a guarantor who earns more and has better credit. In this case, the renter signs the lease, the guarantor countersigns or co-signs it, and the building owner then countersigns, making the lease official.